Save it for later
My friend Justin Solitrin gives an interesting angle on a recent trip to the MoMA in NYC. He and his friend noticed how people spend more time taking and viewing pictures of the art on their digital cameras than inspecting and taking in the actual piece itself. Blaming it on consumerism is a very strong stance that I do somewhat agree with. I also see photographs as memories and sometimes its just special to keep track of all of your experiences - including seeing works of art.
The last time I was at the MoMA I took pictures of several paintings. Why? I had an utterly amazing experience that day - I would almost call it religous if I were one of those people. After joining the crowd of tourists who stare drop-jawed at Van Gogh’s Starry Night, I stepped sideways into a room that didn’t seem to hold pieces that I found too promising. As I turned around to exit whence I entered I abruptly stopped dead in my tracks. I was standing face to face with Marc Chagall’s “I and the Village” which is quite possibly one of my all time favorite pieces. I was also blown away by the size - it’s almost six feet four inches tall. I snapped a photo or two.
Even though I will never forget that moment for as long as I live, I wanted a visual aid to prove it, not to anyone else really, but more to myself. Such a surreal experience needs to be visited again and again, and I can easily do this by looking at the photograph. I do agree with Justin though, people (including myself) are just spending way too much time fumbling with their cell phones and gadgets instead of taking in their surroundings. There is a strong interest in preserving the event for prosperity instead of enjoying it while you’re there.
04/02/2008
I often struggle with the same idea. Sometimes I want to capture my surroundings in the museum not to have a photographic copy of the painting, but rather to document the experience, the moment. However, when I am not observing with camera in hand, the gadgets of others distract me and seem to invade the space. Oh art.
04/02/2008
Ben, I thank you for the internet dialog… this is the reason why I post anything up on the blog in the first place… in hopes of stirring some thought and some conversation. I can most certainly understand the comparison to a religious experience- the epiphany. And it is even the catalyst for my own creative pursuits- I make photographs in an attempt to get close to that feeling; and every time I do I always fall short, but I suppose it is this eternal search for a feeling that keeps people motivated (whether artistically or religiously)
My moment of epiphany: viewing one of James Turrell’s “Gaps” from the Tiny Town series. If you ever get the chance you should find the time to experience one of his pieces. There is a certain fear, awe, shock, wonder, and excitement that comes with the sublime and cannot be found on a cellphone or digital camera screen.